A lot of discussions about car accident claims begin with the assumption that victims were in a state of perfect health before the crash. But, the truth is that the majority of people deal with all kinds of health issues at different points in their lives. So, how can pre-existing conditions affect car accident claims and the victims’ possible compensation?

Generally, car accident victims are only entitled to compensation for injuries or conditions affected by a car accident. This is called exacerbation or pre-existing conditions and compensation may be for both physical ailments and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. A skilled auto accident attorney can help victims fight for the compensation they deserve if their car accidents have aggravated their pre-existing conditions. Read this article for more information.

In a car accident case, victims can expect to be asked questions from the other party about their previous injuries or health conditions. A lawyer can establish the degree to which the crash worsened any previous injuries or conditions a victim had before the crash. Meanwhile, an insurer will blame everything on a claimant’s pre-existing issue. 

A Pre-Existing Condition Should Not Discourage Victims

Victims who sustained injuries in a car accident must pursue compensation for the harm caused to them even if they have a pre-existing condition. Often, injured victims who get regular medical treatment for their pre-existing conditions can easily produce evidence of their medical history.

The amount of compensation a victim can receive for the exacerbation of their pre-existing condition depends on the seriousness of their condition and its impact on their life before the crash. Thus, it is important to present detailed medical records regarding a past condition. 

Insurance providers will usually try to browse through a victim’s medical history for potential evidence that would indicate has had minimal impacts on their health. Because of this, claimants must hire an attorney to represent them and review their medical history, including their pre-existing conditions, with them at the start of their accident case. A great lawyer has extensive experience and familiarity with local courts that could work for a victim. 

When a victim discusses their case and medical history with their lawyer, they must tell everything. They should allow their lawyer to decide how to handle any details that might complicate their claim. If they do not disclose their pre-existing condition, their credibility can be damaged, jeopardizing their accident claim and possibly exposing them to legal citation when the other party discovers the omission.